If there's one thing it's a good idea to avoid during tough financial times, that would be unnecessary impulse buying. Sure, it's cheaper than usual. But you don't need that automated pasta cooker with all the bells and whistles any more than you used to. And you know why?

If you want to succeed, this month (and you do), your best bet is to start the month out as selflessly as you possibly can. The 1st and 2nd are days to really think hard about just what it is that they need (whoever 'they' happen to be). This attentiveness to others will really pay off on the 5th and 6th when you need a shoulder to lean on. Don't be afraid to open up -- the folks around you all want the best for you. You want to make strides in your career on the 9th and 10th. You may or may not be able to move forward at the pace you want.

Do you ever feel like a long day at work would really be livened up if Prince or Princess Charming would step in after that late afternoon meeting and whisk you off to a romantic picnic on a cliff overlooking the ocean?

Sometimes all it takes to turn your days from humdrum to hot dog is a little imagination. That's certainly the case on the 1st. If you think working out is a yawn, why not try jogging with your best friends? They've always got an eye-opening bit of gossip for you, you know. If meals are getting to be a bit of a drag, why not picnic outdoors with a few of your best buddies?

There are no two ways about it: This is going to be a good month for you. If you've been hoping for a change, you'll get it. If you've been happy with things the way they are, they'll keep on being that way. If you've been neglecting your workouts, you'll get back on track. You'll shine. You'll glow. You'll attract a lot of attention. On the 1st and 2nd, be sure to wink, smile and flirt, flirt, flirt. Beauty and romance are all around you, and you are going to be really appreciative of just how beautiful and romantic everything is. Even better, you'll feel perfectly balanced. Wow!

Your friends think you are a blast. They think you're cool. And one of them might think you're super hot. How do you feel about them?

You need to challenge yourself this month. Expand your horizons. Broaden your interests. Meet a couple of new people. Learn to dance. Learn to cook. Travel. Read. Learn a new language. Solve a problem. Help a stranger. See the world through new eyes. The 1st and 2nd are great days to get started on this multifaceted project. After all, it will keep you occupied not just all month long, but for an entire lifetime!

Romance is way up there on your to do list on the 1st. And if it isn't, you'd better add it. No, not under 'buy cauliflower.' You need to get your priorities straight, you romantic buzzing bee, you honeysuckle, you not so shrinking violet, you super hero when it comes to love. Open your eyes and your heart will follow suit!

This month, there might be a chill in the air every now and then. This lets you know that autumn is on the way. Unless, of course, it's a really bright sunny day and that chill is emanating from, say, your kitchen. Then it means it's way past high time you took your turn doing the dishes. On the 1st, do be sure to do your part around the house. That's the best way to keep things harmonious!

Sometimes it's really, really important that you get your way. And sometimes it's just not that important at all. The 1st and 2nd are the kinds of days when you might as well compromise. Otherwise, you'll just be beating your head against the wall. You'll expend a whole lot of energy on something that just plain isn't that important. And wouldn't you rather save your energy for something that is important? Your private life, for example?